Does the date rape drug really make a person pass out?

The "date rape drug" most commonly refers to a medication called flunitrazepam, more commonly known as rohipnol. The medication is called the "date rape drug" because of its ability to create "anterograde amnesia" - in other words, it blocks your mind's ability to form new memories. Rohypnol is a odorless, tasteless compound that can be mixed into food or drinks without the knowledge of the person who takes it. The early effects are similar to drinking alcohol, with confusion, slurred speech, and difficulty walking. With a sufficient dose, these do typically progress to passing out. Although you may pass out after being given rohypnol, the drugs memory-blocking effects kick in well in advance of passing out. This means that you may not remember acting strangely before passing out, or even be aware that you are acting strangely in the first place. The best strategy for avoiding rohypnol is to avoid situations in which you are alone, since once you have been given the drug, your ability to protect yourself is limited. If you go out, go out in a group, and be sure that at least one, and preferably more than one person is sober and responsible for the rest of the group, and do not become separated from one another. And if anyone begins to act strangely, especially if they seem like they "had too much to drink" but clearly did not, take that person with you and leave in a group immediately.